Sophia Perlman

Born and raised in Toronto’s Kensington Market, Sophia Perlman has been performing music and theatre since the age of four. Initially pursuing an interest in opera and music theatre, she entered into the apprentice chorus of the Canadian Children’s Opera Chorus. In her eleven-year association with the organization, she performed, both as a soloist and a chorus member, with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, The Canadian Opera Company, the Hanniford Silver Brass, participated in international performances in Canada and Europe and was given the opportunity to work under many notable conductors including Bramwell Tovey and the late Richard Bradshaw. In 2002, she was a founding member of the CCOC’s youth division. Her other theatre credits include the world premiere of the John Caird/Paul Gordon musical Jane Eyre (Mirvish), workshopping new theatre works with the acclaimed Toronto-based company Nightswimming, as well as television appearances on CBC television.In the summer of 2003, she travelled to New Delhi, India, in conjunction with Scadding Court Community Centre, to spend three weeks working with both priviliged schoolchildren and street youth. The group created and performed a benefit concert in aid of Butterflies – an NGO which provides support programs for street-youth.After high school, she was accepted into the jazz studies program at Humber College, where she was given the opportunity to study with some of Canada’s most renowned jazz musicians, including Alex Dean, Ted Quinlan, Mike Downes, John MacLeod, Mark Promane, Trish Colter, and Shannon Gunn. In her final year, she was selected to perform with a small student ensemble with renowned saxophonist David Liebman, and to attend a workshop with arranger/composer Vince Mendoza.Now 23, Sophia is fast making a name for herself as one of Toronto’s most talented young vocalists, gaining recognition for her musical maturity and her impressive ability as an improviser. She has performed with notable Canadian jazz musicians including Adrean Farrugia, Terry Clarke, Jeff Healey, The Bob Brough Quartet, Richard Whiteman, Brandi Disterheft, Richard Underhill, The Toronto Jazz Orchestra, Ravi Naimpally, Kieran Overs, and the Top Brass Orchestra, as well as appearing weekly with the seven-piece swing band The Vipers at Toronto’s Reservoir Lounge.The Vipers debut recording “Once Smitten”, which was released in June, 2008, has received airplay on JazzFM91.1. In addition, Sophia appears on the 2006 release “Babes in Jazzland”, and as a guest artist on the first release from bassist Brandi Disterheft, entitled “Debut” which received the Juno for Best Traditional Jazz Album.In addition to performing, Sophia continues to be passionate about creating opportunities for access to music education, and particularly in communities where it may not already be available. She is program coordinator for OPERAtion Kids, the newest outreach program for the Canadian Children's Opera Company, and teaches group and private lessons at various music schools in Toronto.